In Greater Palm Springs, every taco tells a flavorful story. From traditional family recipes to creative twists on the classics, this foodie oasis is filled with incredible taco spots waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re craving smoky carne asada, tender birria, or plant-based perfection, this taco trail will take you on a delicious journey through some of the destination’s most mouthwatering stops.
Delicias Mexican Cuisine
Located in Desert Hot Springs, Delicias Mexican Cuisine serves up flavorful tacos that live up to their name. Their menu features classic options like carne asada, pastor, grilled chicken, carnitas, and chorizo, along with delicious seafood choices including shrimp, fish, octopus, and marlin. A standout is the Vulcan Taco, a flavorful creation filled with your choice of carne asada or pastor, wrapped in crispy melted cheese, and topped with spicy pickled red onion, micro cilantro, and creamy avocado salsa.
El Taco Asado
Tucked away in an unassuming shopping center, El Taco Asado is a must-visit for taco enthusiasts. This hidden gem serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Their extensive menu includes all the classics, including tamales, enchiladas, burritos, and more. A true standout is their taco plate, featuring three tacos with your choice of meat, such as chicken, pork, carne asada, chorizo, or al pastor, served with perfectly seasoned rice and beans. Every bite is bursting with flavor, making this staple the perfect choice for anyone craving authentic and tasty tacos.
Elvira's Taqueria
Located in Cathedral City, Elvira’s Taqueria serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist that keeps guests coming back for more. The phrase La Casa de mi Ama (“my mom’s house”) appears on their menu and branding, a fitting nod to the restaurant’s welcoming feel and flavorful dishes made with care. Taco lovers can choose from a wide selection, including carne asada, al pastor, chicken, carnitas, and birria, along with specialties like camaron, pescado, and lengua tacos. A menu highlight is the quesabirria tacos, perfectly crispy and filled with rich, slow-cooked beef and melted cheese served with consome, radishes, cucumbers and a grilled jalapeño. For an even better deal, visit on Taco Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m., when tacos start at just $1.50.
Guadalajara Cafe & Bar
In Palm Desert, the unassuming Guadalajara Café & Bar serves up Mexican favorites for every palate. Taco fans won’t want to miss the Tacos Dorados: crispy, golden tacos filled with your choice of shredded beef, chicken, or ground beef. Each bite is perfectly crunchy and savory, making them a must-try. Add a side of rice and beans and a refreshing drink from the bar, and you’ve got a delightful meal that captures the best of classic Mexican comfort food.
La Bonita's Palm Springs
Located in downtown Palm Springs, La Bonita's is a locals’ favorite where rich flavors and friendly service shine. Their famous cheese shell tacos are a must-try. They feature a fried cheese shell filled with your choice of meat and topped with onion, cilantro, crema, and fresh avocado for a decadent, crispy bite. Taco lovers can also enjoy classic street tacos or venture into seafood with grilled mahi mahi tacos topped with crunchy cabbage and sweet mango salsa. Their crunchy fried fish tacos are topped with pico de gallo, cabbage, and creamy avocado.
Low Desert/Modern Mexican
As the name suggests, Low Desert/Modern Mexican in Palm Springs is a charming spot serving Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist. For anyone with a taco craving, they have plenty of options, from classic street tacos with fillings like carnitas, al pastor, and birria to a veggie option featuring portobello and shiitake mushrooms, squash in chile pasilla, tofu, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Don’t miss their signature Low Desert tacos, including creative choices like ahi tuna, quesabirria, and grilled fish tacos, each packed with bold, inventive flavors. Stop by during happy hour daily from 2 to 5 p.m. for specialty cocktails and street tacos priced between $4 and $5 each.
Salsas Restaurant
It doesn’t get more authentic than Salsas Restaurant in Cathedral City. This cozy spot serves flavorful Mexican cuisine in a warm, homey setting, and it’s easy to see why it’s always busy. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re craving a great taco, you’re in the right place. Their specialty taco menu offers something for every appetite, with the Tacos Lidia standing out as a must-try—two asada tacos with chorizo, whole beans, cilantro, and both grilled and raw onion, served with a grilled jalapeño on the side.
Tacos Gonzalez
Tacos Gonzalez in Indio is a locals’ beloved spot where authentic Mexican flavors come alive. Known for its classic street tacos at a great value, it’s easy to sample a variety thanks to their smaller size. Choose from al pastor, carne asada, chorizo, lengua, and more all served on fresh tortillas. Tacos Gonzalez is a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of Mexico in Greater Palm Springs.
Taqueria y Birrieria Guadalajara
Taqueria y Birrieria Guadalajara is a neighborhood staple and a true hidden gem in Coachella. One of the highlights here is the borrego (lamb) tacos, featuring tender, flavorful meat that’s perfectly seasoned and cooked. Every bite delivers comforting, traditional taste that keeps guests coming back. With its cozy setting and genuine hospitality, this spot is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic tacos.
Taqueria Teotihuacan
Taqueria Teotihuacan in La Quinta is a family-owned favorite serving authentic Mexican cuisine with bold flavors in a colorful and warm setting. Taco adventurers will want to try the Cochinita Pibil tacos, featuring slow-roasted, marinated pork with rich, tangy flavors that melt in your mouth. The menu also offers plenty of other choices, from pollo rostizado (roasted chicken) and chorizo to al pastor, cabeza, and carnitas, all prepared with care using traditional recipes.
Pair your taco adventure with the perfect sip! Check out our guide to the best margaritas in Greater Palm Springs and discover everything from classic favorites to creative twists. Cheers to your next taco-and-margarita adventure!
